As we go through yet another wave of Covid-related lockdowns in Hong Kong – with dining in restaurants banned from 6pm daily – it may seem like there’s nothing we can do offset all the extra waste that’s being produced by the switch to takeout and delivery.
However, there’s actually lots that we can do to make lockdown a little more green and eco-friendly. From baby steps to bigger green steps, here are some quick and easy things to do to make this latest lockdown a shade (or two) greener.
See also: 10 Clean & Green Takeaway Options in Hong Kong
1. Order takeout mindfully
If you are going to order takeout, (which, let’s be honest, most of us will), check if the restaurant uses eco-friendly packaging, and try to support the ones that do.
If ordering on a food app like Deliveroo or FoodPanda, make sure you order your meals from one restaurant instead of several different ones for one meal, or plan ahead by making larger orders that you can portion out and eat over several days.
If the restaurant is located near you, order directly from them to cut out the middleman (and associated costs), and see if they’ll allow you to bring your own containers. And of course, always say no to disposable cutlery!
See also: 10 Greener Options From Deliveroo & FoodPanda
2. Recycle or reuse takeout containers
Sure, the easiest thing to do is to throw those takeout containers into the trash, but you can actually recycle or reuse them. For those who religiously wash the containers and take them to the recycling centres, kudos. But if you ever find yourself with too many containers (for instance, during lockdown), you can actually reuse and repurpose them.
Some ideas include using them to compartmentalise your drawers, storing dry goods such as rice or beans, sprouting seeds, storing leftovers, meal prep, and much more.
3. Cook at home
This takes a little more effort, but cooking your own food at home is always going to be a greener option than ordering delivery or takeout. Not only can you control what’s going into your dishes, but you won’t have any disposable containers, bags or cutlery leftover afterwards.
Here are some of our favourite recipes to make during lockdown, which are comforting, warm, and will definitely last you a few meals:
Mung Bean and Coconut Curry
This mung bean curry is creamy, nutty and tangy – perfect for serving over chewy brown rice. Get the recipe
Vegan Stir Fry Sesame Noodles with Chickpeas & Basil
If you have 30 minutes, you can make these vegan stir-fried noodles with chickpeas, cashews and broccoli. Get the recipe
Vegetarian Chili
Simple ingredients like tomatoes, onion, carrot, celery and garlic are all you need for this aromatic chili. Get the recipe
Be sure to tag us @8shadesofficial on Instagram if you end up making any of the above recipes, or to show us how you’re making this lockdown a little greener!
Let’s hope that this latest lockdown won’t last too long and that things return to normal soon. Until then, why not do what you can to help make the world a shade greener? 🌿
Sign up for the 8Shades weekly newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox!
See also: 10 Clean & Green Takeaway Options for Lockdown in Hong Kong
